Abernathy to Leave FCC in December

Republican FCC Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy said that she is resigning from the commission as of Dec. 9th.

Abernathy, who has served on the commission since 2001, is not seeking another term and must leave the agency when Congress adjourns.

Abernathy sent a letter to President Bush on Wednesday informing him of her plans. Last week, Bush nominated Deborah Tate to fill the seat left empty when Kevin Martin took over as chairman after Michael Powell's departure.

Abernathy's departure and Tate's expected Senate confirmation will leave the commission with the same balance of seats it has had since February - two Republicans and two Democrats.